Combined amplifying and rectifying system



Oct. 22, 19 35 'MQMACKSQUD I 2,017,910

COMBINED AMPLIFYING AN-D RECTIFYING SYSTEM Filed July 1, 19:3

INVENTOR. Mia/rel Ma l souol BY ATTORNEYS.

Patented Oct. 22 1935 UNITED STATES COMBINED AMPLIFYING AND RECTIFYINGSYSTEM Michel Macksoud, St. Albans, N. Y., assignor to The ElectronCorporation, East Orange, N. J., a corporation New Jersey ApplicationJuly'l, 1933, Serial No. 678,661

23 Claims. (Cl. 250-27) This invention relates to improvements inamplifying circuits and the like as employed in the reception,repetition, and amplification of radiant energy.

An important object of the invention is to provide an electron dischargedevice of the gas filled type, or a plurality of them, in circuitconnections by means of which these devices may be used foramplification, detection; and generation of oscillations and at the sametime to rectify an alternating varying or pulsating current forapplication to the devices to amplify the operating potentials therefor.

This application is a continuation in part of my copending applicationSerial No. 120,376, filed July 3, 1926.

Referring to the drawing,-

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a radio frequency amplifier,a detector and an audio frequency amplifier connected in cascade andemploying gas filled electron discharge devices connected so as toprovide full wave rectification of a varying or alternating current inorder to provide the necessary operating potentials for the electrodesthereof;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a slightly modified circuitarrangement; and

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of this invention as applied to apair of gas filled electron discharge devices connected in parallel toprovide a. push-pull amplifier and arranged to rectify an alternatingcurrent to supply the operating potentials therefor and to provideadditional operating potentials for similar devices which may beassociated therewith.

In Fig. 1, the input circuit is shown in the form of a tuned groundantenna system having the means of which the ionizable gas content ofthe vessel is ionized. These electrodes may be or unequal size and shapefor purposes of rectification.

The gas filled electron discharge devices 4 and 5- are similar and eachcomprises the grid '6, the cathode emitter l, the plate 8, and theionizing electrodes 9. The enclosing vessels ofthe tubes 3, l, and 5 arefilled with a suitable ionizable gas content at a suitable pressure. Thetypes or gases and proper working pressures are well known in devices ofthis type. The pressure of the gas is dependent upon the particular gas,the spacing and geometry of the electrodes, and the operating potentialsemployed.

The other terminal of secondary 2 is connected by wire ID to apotentialresistance H, the other terminal of which is connected by wire l9 tocathode emitter I in tube 5 and is likewise connected by wire 13 tocathode emitter ,1 in tube w 4. The plate 8 of tube 3 is connectedthrough the primary M of an interstage coupling transformer and wire l5to wire I6. Likewise the primary 33 is connected at one'terminal toplate 8 and at the other terminal by wire 36 to wire I5. 15

This primary is shunted by a suitable by-pass condenser 34. Wire I6 isconnected, through the choke coils l1 and I8, to an adjustable mid-tapconnection on potentiometer resistance which is shunted across thecircuit comprising wires 2t 20 and 22. The output winding 30 inductivelycoupled to the winding 14 is connected through the usual grid leaksystem 3l to the grid '6 and by wire 32 to wire l9. Secondary winding 35is inductivelycoupled to the winding 33 and is connected at oneterminalto grid 6 of tube 5 and at the other terminal-by wire 31 to wireIS. The plate of tube 5 is connected by wire 21' to the soundreproducingdevice 25 or other device to be actuated which has its otherterminal connected to wire 16. The device 25 is by-passed by a suitablecondenser 26. Wires 2| and 22 are energized from any suitable source ofcurrent, preferably an alternating current source, such as provided bythe usual 110-v01t lighting circuit. 35 Wires 2i and 22 are connected tothe ionizing electrodes 9 of tube 3. These wires are respectivelyconnected by wires 24 and 23 to the ionizing electrodes 9 of the tubes 4and 5. A wire 28 is adjustably connected to the midpoint ofpotentiometer resistance 1 I and is shunted between it and wire l6 andcondensers 29. gond'ensers 29, together with choke coils l1 and I8provide a filter circuit to smooth out the ripples and variations in therectified voltage before it is applied to the various electrodes of thetubes.

It will be noted that potentiometer resistance I I is connected btweenthe cathode emitters l of the tubes 3 and 4 and potentiometer resistance20 is shunted across the ionizing electrode circuit; Wires l6 and 28from the potentiometer resistances provide the output terminals for therectified voltages to be applied to the electrodes of the tubes.

\ In the operation or these tubes when a suitable 5 potential isimpressed across the ionizing electrodes 9, the ionizable gas content ofthe tubes is ionized. The ionizing potentials required will depend, asnoted above, upon the nature of the gas employed, spacing and geometryof the electrodes, and the pressure of the gas in the envelopes. Theionization of the gas between the electrodes 9 will generate sufllcientheat to cause the coatings of the cathode emitters I to becomeelectronically active. The electron emitter sleeves I are at a postivepotential with respect.to the particular electrode 9, which is thecathode, with the result that an electron flow will occur between them.

The cathode electrode 9 and the emitter electrode l, which will be ananode with respect thereto, in each of the tubes 3 and 4 provide halfwave rectifiers in view of the connection shown, which are combinedthrough the potentiometer resistances to provide a full wave rectifier.The plate electrodes of the tubes 8 and 9 are connected to the filter inthe output circuit of this rectifier to provide the necessary operatingpotentials. In addition, these tubes provide, through the connectionsshown, the necessary operating potential for the anode 8 of tube 5. Itwill be noted that the anode potentials are thus obtained from theionizing circuit and are of a value equal to the ionizing voltage minusthe cathode drop.

The grids are likewise maintained at a lower potential than the cathodeemitters, thereby not requiring any special biasing potential. Inaddition to the rectifying action, the cathode emitters 1, the grids 6,and the plates 8 co-act in accordance with the usual principles toprovide an amplifying, rectifying, and oscillating device.

In the modified arrangement of Fig. 2 it will not be necessary todescribe the circuit in detail. Similar parts have been given the samereference numerals. It will be noted, however, that the grid return wireiii in this case is connected to wire 28 and the grid return wires 32and 37 are connected by wire 85 to wire 28. With this arrangement thegrid is properly biased directly from the energizing circuit for theionizing electrodes.

There is shown in the arrangement of Fig. 3 the principles of thisinvention as applied to a push-pull amplifier. The input is impressedupon a primary 5B of a repeating transformer independently coupled to asecondary 5!, the terminals of which are connected to the grids 52 and53 and the gas filled electron discharge devices 56 and 55. The cathodeemitters 58 and 57 are coated with an electronically active coating andareconnected together by wire 64 and, through wire 65 and the usual gridleak system 66, to an adjustable mid-tap connection on secondary Bl. Theplates 58 and 59 are connected to the terminals of the primary 62 of theoutput transformer, which is inductively coupled to the secondarythereof. This secondary may be connected to any 'device that it isdesired to operate with the apparatus. The tubes 54 and 55 are providedwith the ionizing electrodes 60 and 6| which are energized by thesecondaries 61 and 68, respectively, of a transformer, which in turn isenergized through the primary 89 from a suitable current source,preferably a 1l0-volt alternating current lighting circuit. A thirdsecondary 18 has its terminals connected to the secondaries 81 and 68 byvariable midpoint taps. Wire II connects variable midpoint taps oi thesecondary l and the primary 82 through the choke coil 12. The cathodeemitters 56 and 51 are connected by wire 13. shunted across wires H and13 are the condensers H which, with the choke coil 12, provides a filtercircuit. Likewise shunted across these wires is a potentiometerresistance 10 provided with the variable taps B- and 3+ which, togetherwith the wires C- and 8+, provide the necessary operating potentials forany additional similar equipment operating in conjunction therewith.

.In the operation of this device the cathode emitter sleeves 56 and 51,in conjunction with the ionizing cathode electrodes 60 and 6!, providehalf wave rectifying devices which, connected as shown, provide a fullwave rectifier, the output of which passes through the filter where anyfluctuations of potential are absorbed. Likewise, as before, the cathodeemitters 56 and 51, the grids 52 and 53, and the plates 58 and 59,respectively, cooperate to provide the usual audion action.

It is pointed out, although those skilled in the art will fullyappreciate the fact, that where used in this disclosure the expression"midpoint" mcans the point of electrical balance or the electricalmidpoint. In other words, the variable connections to the resistances Hand 20 for example are for the purpose of finding the point of voltagebalance which may or may not, depending upon the physicalcharacteristics of the resistance, be at the physical midpoint of theunit. From the above description it will be apparent that this inventionresides in certain principles of operation and association which may beembodied in other physical forms without departure from the spirit andscope of the invention represented thereby. I'-do not, therefore, desireto be strictly limited by the disclosure as given for purposes ofillustration, but rather to the scope of the appended claims.

combination comprising an envelope having an 'ionizable gas content, a.grid, a plate and a cathode emitter within said envelope, a pair ofelectrodes within the said envelope adjacent said emitter, an inputcircuit connected between the grid and emitter, an output circuitconnected between the plate and emitter, a current source connectedbetween said pair of electrodes for effecting ionization of the gascontent, a resistance connected across said electrodesand an adjustableconnection from the midpoint of said resistance to said grid circuit.

2. Ina rectifying and amplifying circuit the combination comprising agas filled envelope having a grid, a plate and a cathode emittertherein,a pair of electrodes within said envelop-e adjacent said emitter, aninput circuit connected between the grid and emitter, an output circuitconnected between the plate and emitter, and a current source connectedbetween said pair of electrodes to produce ionization of the gas contentof the envelope.

3. In an amplifying and rectifying circuit the W combination comprisinga pair of gas filled envelopes each having a grid, a cathode emitter anda plate therein, a pair oi electrodes in each envelope adjacent theemitter, input circuits including the grids and emitters, outputcircuits 70 including the plates and emitters, the output circuit of oneenvelope being coupled to the input circuit of the other envelope, anenergizing circuit connected to said pairs of electrodes, 2. reslstanceconnected across said circuit. a resistance connected between saidemitters, and variable connections between said resistances and saidoutput circuits whereby operating potentials are applied to the plates.

4. In an amplifying and rectifying circuit the combination comprising apair of gas filled envelopes each having a grid, a cathode emitter and aplate therein, a pair of electrodes in each envelope adjacent theemitter, input circuits including the grids and emitters, outputcircuits including the plates and emitters, the output circuit of oneenvelope being connected to the input circuit of the other envelope, anenergizing circuit connected to said pairs of electrodes, a resistanceconnected across said circuit, a res'stance connected between saidemitters, an adjustable connection from the midpoint of the firstresistance and the output circuits, and a variable connection betweenthe second resistance and said grids.

5. In a combined amplifying and rectifying system the combinationcomprising a pair of gas filled envelopes each having a grid, 8. cathodeemitter and a plate therein, means for couvv pling said electrodes intoa cascaded repeating circuit, a pair of ionizing electrodes within eachvessel, circuits for supplying alternating current to said ionizingelectrodes, and means connected between said ionizing electrodes andsaid cathode emitters for supplying operating potentials to the platesof said envelopes.

6. In a device as described the combination comprising an envelopehaving anionizable gas content, a grid, a cathode emitter and a plate insaid envelope, an input circuit including said grid, an output circuitincluding said plate, a pair of ionizing electrodes within saidenvelope, means for applying an alternating current to said pair ofelectrodes, a resistance connected across said means, and a variableconnection between said grid circuit and said resistance.

7. In a device as described the combination comprising an envelopehaving an ionizable gas content, a grid, a cathode emitter and a platein said envelope, an input circuit including said grid, an outputcircuit including said plate, a pair of ionizing electrodes within saidenvelope, means for applying an alternating current to said pair ofelectrodes, 9. connection between said cathode emitter-and said outputcircuit.

8. In a device as described the combination comprising an envelopehaving an ionizable gas content, a grid, a cathode emitter and a platein said envelope, an input circuit including said grid, an outputcircuit including said plate, a pair of ionizing electrodes within saidenvelope, means for applying an alternating current to said pair ofelectrodes, a resistance connected between said electrodes, a variableconnection from said resistance to said output circuit, and a connectionbetween said input circuit and cathode including a resistance.

9. In a combined amplifying and rectifying system the combinationcomprising a pair'of gas filled envelopes, a grid, a cathode emitter anda plate in each envelope, an input circuit and. an output circuit foreach grid and each plate a resistance connected between-said cathodeemitters, a connection from said resistance to said input circuits, 9.pair of ionizing electrodes within each envelope, a circuit forsupplying alternating currents-to said pairs of electrodes, a resistanceconnected across said circuit, and a connection from said resistance tosaid output circuits.

output circuit for each grid and each plate, a re- 5 sistance connectedbetween saidlcathode emitters, a connection from said resistance to saidinput circuits, a pair of ionizing electrodes Within each envelope, acircuit for supplying alternating currents to said pairs of electrodes,a resistance connected'across said circuit, a connection from saidresistance to said output circuits, and a filter circuit in saidconnections.

11. A combined repeating and rectifying system comprising a pair of gasfilled envelopes each having a grid, a cathode emitter and a plate,input and output circuits connected to said grids and platesrespectively and said cathode emitters to provide a push-pull amplifier,a pair of ionizing electrodes in each envelope. and means for applyingalternating currents to said ionizing electrodes. I

12. A combined repeating and rectifying system comprising a pair of gasfilled envelopes each having a grid, a cathode emitter and a plate, 5input and output circuits connected to said gridsand plates respectivelyand said cathode emitters to provide a push-pull amplifier, a pair ofionizing electrodes in each envelope, means for applying alternatingcurrents to said ionizing electrodes, and connections from said cathodeemitters to said input circuit and from said circuit for supplyingalternating current to the ionizing electrodes and the output circuit.

13. A combined repeating and rectlwing circuit comprising a pair ofenvelopes having an ionizable gas content, a grid, a cathode emitter anda plate within each envelope, an input circuit connmted to saidgrids, anoutput circuit connected to said plates, a grid return connectionbetween 40 said input circuit and said cathode emitter, a pair ofionizing electrodes within each envelope a circuit for supplyingalternating current to said pairs of electrodes, and a connectionbetween said circuit and the output circuit. I

14. A combined repeating and rectifying circuit comprising a pair ofenvelopes having an ionizable gas content, a grid, a cathode emitter anda plate within each envelope, an input circuit connected to said grids,an output circuit connected to said plates, a grid return connectionbetween said input circuit and said cathode emitter, a pair of ionizingelectrodes within each envelope a circuit for supplying alternatingcu'rrentto said pairs of electrodes, an impedance connectedacross saidcircuit, and a connection between the midble gas contenti'a grid, acathode emitter and a plate within each envelope, an input circuitconnected to said grids, an output circuit connected to said plates, agrid return connection between i said input circuit and said cathodeemitter a pair 55 of ionizing electrodes within each envelope, a circuitfor supplying alternating current to said pairs of electrodes, animpedance connected across said circuit, a connection between themidpoint of said impedance and the midpoint of the output circuit, 7 anda filter circuit in said connections.

16. A combined repeating and rectifying circuit comprising a pair ofenvelopes having an ionizable gas content, a grid, a cathode emitter anda plate within each envelope, an input circuit connected to said grids,an output circuit connected to said plates, a grid return connectionbetween said input circuit and saldcathode emitter, a pair of ionizingelectrodes within each envelope a circuit for supplying alternatingcurrent to said pairs of electrodes, an impedance connected across saidcircuit, a connection between the midpoint of said impedance and themidpoint of the output circuit, an impedance between said connections,.and a plurality of variable tap connections to said impedance toprovide operating potentials.

1'7. A combined repeating and rectifying circuit comprising a pair ofenvelopes having an ionizable gas content, a grid, a cathode emitter anda plate within each envelope, an input circuit. connected to said grids,an output circuit connected to said plates, a grid return connectionbetween said input circuit and said cathode emitter, a pair of ionizingelectrodes within each envelope a circuit for supplying'alternatingcur-' rent to said pairs of electrodes, an impedance connected acrosssaid circuit, a connection between the midpoint of said impedance andthe midpoint of the output circuit, an impedance between saidconnections, a plurality of variable tap connections to said impedanceto provide operati potentials, and a filter circuit in said connections.

18. In a combined repeating and rectifying system the combinationcomprising three envelopes each having an ionizable gas content, a grid,a cathode emitter and a plate, an input circuit connected to each gridand an output circuit connected to each plate, the input and outputcircuits being coupled to provide a cascade repeating and amplifyingcircuit, a pair of ionizing electrodes, an impedance connected acrosssaid circuit, an impedance connected between two of said cathodeemitters, and connections between said impedances and said input andoutput circuits to provide operating potentials therefor.

19. In a repeating apparatus as described, a pair of envelopes eachhaving an ionizable vapor content, a grid, a plate and a cathode in eachenvelope, an input circuit connected to each grid, an output circuitconnected to each plate, means for I coupling one output circuit to theinput circuit of the other envelope, means for ionizing the vapor ineach envelope, andconnections including said plate circuits, and saidmeans for applying operating potentials on said plates. 5

20. In a repeating apparatus as described, an envelope having anionizable vapor content, a grid, a plate and a cathode, a pair ofionizing electrodes, a circuit connected to said plate, and means forenergizing said pair of electrodes from either a direct or analternating current source to render the cathode active.

21. In a repeating apparatus as described, a pair of envelopes eachhaving an ionizable vapor content, a grid, a plate, and a cathode ineach 15 envelope, an input circuit connected to each grid, an outputcircuit connected to each plate, means for ionizing the vapor in eachenvelope, means for energizing said means from either a direct or analternating current source, and connections in- 20 eluding said platecircuits and said means for supplying operating potentials to saidplates.

22. In a rectifying and amplifying circuit, the combination comprisingan ionizable vapor filled envelope having a grid, a plate, and a cathode25 emitter therein, a pair of electroes within said envelope adjacentsaid emitter, aninput circuit connected between the grid and emitter, anoutput circuit connected between the plate and emitter, and a currentsource of either direct or an alternating current connected between saidpair of electrodes to produce ionization of the vapor content of theenvelope.

23. In a combined amplifying and rectifying system, the combinationcomprising a pair of gas 35 filled envelopes each having a grid, acathode emitter, and a plate therein, means for coupling said electrodesinto a cascaded repeating circuit,

a pair of ionizing electrodes within said vessel, circuits for supplyingalternating or direct cur- 40 rent to said ionizing electrodes, meansconnected between said ionizing electrodes and said cathode emitters forsupplying operating potentials to the plates of said envelopes, andmeans for biasing the grids with respect to the cathode emitters.

MICHEL MACKSOUD.

